C4 Transmission (Need Input Tonight Please!!!)

[marvin2]

I borrowed a C4 transmission from a buddy restoring an older mustang to mock it into my 68, but I then found out about the differences between bell housing sizing, flex plate sizing, and linkages...so I am planning on taking it back to him.

I just found a C4 locally that the guy claims was pulled from a mid 70's F100 (he was using it on a different project). It looks to be the large bell housing type. I decoded the production stamp and it appears that maybe it came from a Fairlane ("O") instead of a truck ("C" or "T"). Will the linkage still be acceptable? It has a '75 production date, so it will have the 26 spline shaft instead of the earlier 24.

Does anyone see any "red flags" with this trans? I am meeting up with the guy to purchase in the morning. Thanks in advance

[elgemcdlf]

Which of the 2 arms shifts the gears? If the long 1 then it is either truck or a car with a floor shifter. I would be guessing truck at this point.

[BobbyFord]

The stamp on the case means nothing. There should be a tag on the intermediate servo cover.

[marvin2]

I only see the one arm (parallel to the ground, pointing toward the bell housing). Can floor shift be converted to column shift?

[BobbyFord]

I only see the one arm (parallel to the ground, pointing toward the bell housing). Can floor shift be converted to column shift?

Yes, you just need to swap the selector shaft. Easily done.

[marvin2]

Regardless of the linkage setup, wouldn't an adjustable column shift rod solve the problem?...like this one from Lokar:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LOK-ACA-1801/

[BobbyFord]

Perhaps. Unless you use factory parts, it's a guessing game that usually requires fabrication.
It's not like the factory parts are exotic or unobtainable.

[marvin2]

So of all the variables that need to be verified, the most important is that it is a working trans. I think the bell housing is a fit, but can be easily confirmed with a couple of measurements. The linkage may or may not be correct, but can swapped or fabricated as needed.

Let me know if you think I should have any other concerns for this swap. Thanks for all the help guys!

[elgemcdlf]

Ford linkage is adjustable. The difference being the slot for adjustment is in the linkage not the arm. How would you even use the Lokar setup? Do you cut the factory arm off of the shaft? Isn't there an arm pointed straight up?

[elgemcdlf]

I only see the one arm (parallel to the ground, pointing toward the bell housing). Can floor shift be converted to column shift?

Yes, you just need to swap the selector shaft. Easily done.

You are moving into an area of "what are you asking?" The configuration for floor shift is the same configuration for a truck. Same configuration does not equal same parts. For a column shift in the truck you want park to be all the way forward. You get this by having the arm pointed downward/forward.

[BobbyFord]

I agree. The linkage on my truck has a D1T* number. I can get the exact number tomorrow in the daylight if anyone's interested.

[mmerlinn]

Will the dipstick tube fit in your Mustang? Or will it interfere with something else? Mustangs never came with pan fill transmissions, so you may have a problem there.

Next problem you will have is that it will bolt up to your motor if you have a 302, but the stock flexplate, blockplate, and inspection plate will not fit.

Another problem you may have is floorboard clearance for the bell. The stock bell for a 302 was smaller with a lower profile, so there may be an issue there. Another problem is that bell is deeper than a stock bell, so you may need to modify your crossmember so the rear mount will fit. A possible issue could be driveshaft length, but since there is not a lot of difference in length, yours may fit ok.

Finally, the most obvious issue that everyone has posted about is the lever. Not a big issue. Just need to find the correct lever and swap it. Problem is that a lot of C4 levers do not have any ID stamped on them at all. If the one you need has no numbers, it becomes a hair-pulling issue at times finding the correct lever.

[marvin2]

Thanks again to everyone for the input last night / this morning...especially so quickly!

I took a look at the trans this morning. It is definitely the large bellhousing (so it will fit the 164 tooth flywheel on my 240) and the gear selector clicked through the gears just fine. I picked it up for $130!!